Deadma Walking2017

"The foolishness of humankind is us thinking we can outsmart death not knowing he is already pulling a number on us while we're busy making other plans." Deadma Walking is the dark horse of this year's MMFF. Clearly, this is not included in my original lineup as I'm only gunning for Ang Larawan, All of You, and Siargao, but due to its early screening at Star Mall Alabang today (they opened early at 9:30 in the morning) I took a chance and never look back. Deadma Walking is more than just a gay movie and it's not this year's Die Beautiful (so stop comparing them), as I think this one is way better. Coming out is passé, it's a done plot, we're moving on. Deadma Walking is a story of family and true friendship, everything in between, from life and beyond death. When we talk about death we deem it as a grim subject but there's no sense of hopelessness or dour moments about one's demise here, instead the movie uses this vehicle as a way to "take chances" or to find humor and light in this darkness. The dialogues were funny, humorous and so aware of itself that it never comes off as narcissistic, (unlike last year's Ang Babae sa Septic Tank). The musical numbers were also memorable, especially the "crying divas, crying divas" song that gave me LSS even while I'm writing this. It is special to discover a Filipino movie that can make you feel good without the stale hugot lines or without the filmmakers dumbing down their audiences, and when you've found one it makes you excited for the future of Philippine cinema. The dramatic bits were not tired, forced and overdone, rather they were surprisingly refreshing – just like the performance rendered by actor Edgar Allan Guzman who is my shoo-in winner for Best Actor (or Best Supporting Actor). Good time, good laughs, a pocketful of wisdom is all here, and I'm urging you to buy a ticket, go rush to the cinemas and watch Deadma Walking on the big screen...you'll definitely have a blast.